The name ptarmica comes from the Greek word ptairo (=sneeze) and means 'causes sneezing'. The name "yarrow" applies specifically to varieties of A. millefolium,[1] but is often confusingly used for other species within the genus - including A. ptarmica.

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Uses

Leaves can be eaten raw or cooked. Leaves are Cardiac; Diaphoretic; Digestive; Emmenagogue; Odontalgic; Sternutatory; Styptic. The leaf is chewed to relieve toothache. The dried, powdered leaves are used as a sneezing powder. Yields an essential oil that is used medicinally. The leaves are used as an insect repellent.[3]

The plant is poisonous to cattle, sheep, and horses. Symptoms are generally slow to develop, and include fever, rapid pulse, difficulty breathing, weight loss, drooling, spasms and loss of muscular control, and convulsions.